Casting example. Need explanation! please

[adrian110288]

This is the code:

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public class CastingExample{

	public static void main(String[] args){
		
		Printable p = null;
		BlackInk black = new BlackInk();
		
		p = (Printable)black;

	}
}

class Ink {}
interface Printable{};
class ColorInk extends Ink implements Printable{}
class BlackInk extends Ink{};

I dnt understand why there is no compilation error while casting black to Printable?? Instance of BlackInk cannot be Printable because it doesnt extend Printable interface.

What am I missing here?? Please explain it to me

[admin]

It is true that an instance of BlackInk cannot be Printable because it doesnt extend Printable interface. But the variable black can point to an instance of a subclass of BlackInk and that subclass may implement Printable interface. So the compiler has no option but to allow it.

HTH,
Paul.

[adrian110288]

So from what I understand, the compiler is not concerned with the right part of the assignment is which is ' new BlackInk ()' ? It only wants to know that BlackInk black can be assigned anything?
E.g.

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Class NewBlackInk extends BlackInk implements Printable {}

Given that class we could create the new instance of it and assign it to black like:

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BlackInk black = new NewBlackInk ();

Is that what is all about?

[admin]

Yes, you got it

[adrian110288]

Thank you so much Paul